Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers Preview Monday Night Football
By Jeremy Glasoe | October 18, 2009
This Monday, the Denver Broncos face off against AFC West division rival San Diego Chargers. For the Broncos, this Monday Night Football appearance will mark the 18th year in a row the club will make at least one appearance on MNF, which is the longest active streak in the NFL. This game will also be the second of two AFL Legacy Games in 2009 for the Broncos, to mark the 50th Anniversary, so yes, you get to see those beautiful striped socks again! This time in the away version, probably a little easier on the eyes.
Don’t worry we will talk some football and numbers, and all that, below. First, here is a little History.
All the original AFL teams are wearing the uniforms they wore in 1960 during this season. The initial response on the Broncos throwback uniforms was not good, which was the same reaction decades after they first donned the 2nd hand gridiron garb. The Broncos come from humble beginnings on the football field and in the pocketbook. There is differing accounts on the uniforms origin, but one thing is for sure, the Broncs weren’t the first to wear them.
One account, came from the Broncos Head Coach from 1962-64, Jack Faulkner, who says the uniforms came from an Arizona semi-pro organization—the Rattlers, with whom General Manager Dean Griffing had been previously employed.
Another says that, Steve Brainerd, a minor league football historian from Tucson offers additional speculation. According to Brainerd’s research, the Tucson Rattlers were organized in 1958 out of the remnants of the Tucson Cowboys who went defunct following the 1957 season. Dean Griffing, who served as the GM of the ‘58 Rattlers (a member team of the Pacific Football Conference), apparently, took the teams’ gear as partial payment of monies due after the team ceased operations. Brainerd further speculates that the uniforms worn by the Rattlers’ might have been second-hand by the time they got them. Brainerd states, “There was also a college football allstar game in Tucson at the end of the 1957 season and it’s possible that that is where Griffing got the uniforms to begin with as it (the all-star game) was a one shot deal and the committee got stuck with all (the uniforms).”
I think most hang to the idea that the uniforms came from the Copper Bowl College All-Star Game in Tucson, Arizona. Whatever the case, the uniforms only lasted two seasons, before changing to the beloved Orange and Blue.
One summer night at Bears Stadium in 1962, the Denver Broncos paraded one by one past a mock-up of the Olympic flame and dropped the team’s vertically striped socks in the fire, cheered on by a crowd of 8,377.
The ceremony was new coach Jack Faulkner’s idea. He wanted everything associated with the Broncos’ dismal first two seasons gone, especially those socks. There were two sets: alternating brown and mustard yellow stripes for home games, brown and white for the road.
I love the history of the Denver Broncos and their vertically striped socks. It’s character is something that Broncos Country and the Team has always had. We wear bright Orange and are proud of it, why, because we have character. Orange is my favorite color due to my passion for the Broncos and the color dominates my wardrobe, yet I still embrace the storied history, whether it be Mustard or Orange! I hope you do as well, it’s only for 2 games and as long as they win, that’s all that matters.
After all, it was the passion of the Denver Broncos Fans that brought the team through those humble beginnings. The team was horrible in the early days, but they showed up to play every Sunday and won the hearts of Denver with some exciting play. Show that team pride now, Broncos Country, because this 2009 version is working their tails off and giving you something to believe in, as well.
Now, let’s talk some Monday Night Football, Broncos style! The last time these two teams met, the Bolts clobbered the Broncs, 52-21, ending their playoff hopes in the final game of 2008. It was probably for the best, lets face it, they weren’t very good.
Things have changed, this is 2009 and Josh McDaniels has administered the shot the team so desperately needed after getting stagnate under Mike Shanahan. As I have stated before, I love Shanny, but it was time for change! Pat Bowlen nailed it again snagging a young up and coming coach!
The players are all in and playing with a confidence that comes from within. These players have been brought together in a short amount of time, they want to play football, they want to do the necessary film-work, as well as the work in the playbook and on the practice field, and they play with a chip on their shoulders. This is why they are 5-0, they don’t quit! This is why (along with the Coaching Staff’s preparation), I am confident the Broncos are For Real and feel they will be 6-0 after Monday Night.
The San Diego Chargers on the other hand, are 2-2 and coming off their bye week. The team has looked old, outmatched and in need of a new coach, but that’s been the case ever since Norv Turner was hired. I have no idea how this guy is still a Head Coach in this league. The only thing keeping the Chargers afloat is Phillip Rivers, as much as I hate to say it.
Check out the stats from both teams in 2009…
| 2009 Offensive Stats | Denver Broncos | San Diego Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Total yards per game | 376.8 | 349.2 |
| Passing yards per game | 237.8 | 295.5 |
| Rushing yards per game | 139.0 | 53.8 |
| Points per game | 19.8 | 25.2 |
| Time of Possession | 31:46 | 26:43 |
| 2009 Defensive Stats | Denver Broncos | San Diego Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Total yards per game allowed | 252.8 | 365.8 |
| Passing yards per game allowed | 171.8 | 214.8 |
| Rushing yards per game allowed | 81 | 151 |
| Points per game allowed | 8.6 | 25.5 |
The numbers can look a little different now, then they will at the end of the season. In fact, I see some of these offensive numbers increasing for the Broncos, as the O comes together. In recent weeks the red-zone offense has been much more productive with the emergence of Brandon Marshall, and it only figures to get better, as other weapons begin to open due to opposing teams keying on Marsh.
If the Defense can continue the successful path that has led the Broncos to a 5-0 record, the team can shock the nation once again with a victory on the road, the ‘experts’ all picked the Chargers to run away with the division. I don’t do betting, but I do know the Chargers are favored by like 3.5 points, or something. Where is the respect, this defense doesn’t need it, in fact they thrive off of it. Umm, Love Me some Brian Dawkins flying around the field, it kind of rubs off!
Josh McDaniels has proven he can get a team prepared for a game. The Broncos have out-conditioned their opponents, with out a doubt, and in recent weeks I have noticed the team, both offense and defense, understanding and trusting more in what the Coach’s are doing with the game plan and schemes. McDaniels and Mike Nolan are making adjustments in game, as well as, implementing outstanding 2nd half changes.
It seems to me, things can go one of two ways after the bye week for the Chargers. The first, the team comes out sluggish, not up to speed, so it will take some time to catch up and get it together (by that time, the Broncos are way far ahead!). Or the second, the team that is banged up, get’s healthy, comes together during time off, with great practice and preparation (Broncos still Win). All kidding aside, the Chargers are stocked with talent and haven’t produced. We have seen this before from them, slow start and strong finish, only to fizzle in the playoffs.
The Chargers have struggled on offense because of the run game, but LaDainian Tomlinson is said to be rested and healed during the time off. He could give them the needed boost to keep their Defense off the field. Passing hasn’t been a problem for the Bolts, Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates still pose a threat with Rivers at quarterback.
Through Sunday the Chargers Defense ranks 28th against the run, allowing 151 yards per game on the ground, they were dead last in third-down efficiency, and rank 27th in time of possession. At or near the bottom in major categories, they better have made good use of their time. The passing defense has been better, ranking 13th in passing yards allowed. These numbers don’t look to good for the Chargers, the Broncos offense is operating with efficiency.
In almost every area, I see an advantage for the Denver Broncos in this game. If the Broncos go into San Diego and pull off this win, they put themselves in a great position going into the bye, and looking forward to the postseason. Broncos 34-17.
If history is any indication!
After Sundays 20-17 OT win over the New England Patriots, the Broncos have now gone 5-0 to start the season 5 times in their history. The previous four perfect starts have resulted in Superbowl’s for the Broncs! Let’s hope history repeats itself.
| 5-0 Starts Team History | Start | Superbowl W/L |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 Broncos | 6-0 | Lost |
| 1986 Broncos | 6-0 | Lost |
| 1997 Broncos | 6-0 | Won |
| 1998 Broncos | 13-0 | Won |
| 2009 Broncos | 5-0 | Hope So |
I hope so, it’s time for some Payback!
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Comment from Whitney Segura
Time: November 2, 2009, 4:23 pm
Woo! Go Broncos, they are going to kick some Charger butt! Great post, keep up the good work my friend!
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